System For Applying Indicia To A Reversible Garment

ABSTRACT

A system ( 10 ) for applying indicia to a reversible garment. The system is comprised of an indicia barrier ( 12 ) typically in the form of a square ( 14 ) and a reversible garment ( 38 ) that includes a first layer ( 40 ) with an inner section ( 42 ) and an outer section ( 44 ), and a second layer ( 46 ) with an inner section and an outer section. A re-sealable opening ( 58 ) having an opening fastener ( 60 ) allows the indicia barrier ( 12 ) to be inserted between either of the layers, thereby creating an impediment between the layers. Once the indicia barrier ( 12 ) is in place, indicia can be applied to one surface of the layer without also being applied to the adjoining layer. The reversible garment ( 38 ) can be turned inside-out and indicia can then be applied to the other surface of the layer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to garments and garment manufacturing, and more particularly to a system that facilitates the application of various types of indicia to a reversible garment.

BACKGROUND ART

One of the most common and culturally required aspects of human life throughout the world is the use of apparel such as garments. The types, styles and appearance of garments vary among the regions of world, yet the use of some type of garments is typically ubiquitous.

A particularly popular and practical garment is known as a reversible garment. Although most commonly used for jackets, reversible garment manufacturing can be used for almost any type of garment. The most obvious benefit of a reversible garment is that a person can possess a single article of clothing that can have multiple appearances. Typically, a reversible garment will utilize two different colors to provide a better ability for matching the garment with various outfits or occasions. Another popular means of embellishing a garment is by adding indicia, which can comprise images, designs, and/or three dimensional elements (such as rhinestones).

Unfortunately, most forms of indicia can only be applied before the garment is assembled. If the garment is assembled only some forms of indicia can be applied due to the double lining of the fabric and the type of indicia. These limitations can be extremely frustrating for decorators, applique companies, individuals and manufacturers. Obviously, what is needed is a device and/or method that would facilitate the quick, cost effective and easy application of individual indicia to each surface of a reversible garment that can be applied by decorators, applique companies, individuals, and manufacturers. By providing this system, the design potential for a reversible garment is at least doubled.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 7,620,998 Sandoval 24 Nov. 2009 6,550,066 Brassey 22 Apr. 2003 6,477,716 Blaire 12 Nov. 2002 6,014,772 Connelly 18 Jan. 2000

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,620,998 patent discloses a reversible garment having a pair of contiguous configurations. Each configuration has distinct coloration, distinct embroidery and a secure pocket slot. The application of the embroidery is facilitated through the secure pocket slot that is accessible from one or more of the contiguous configurations. A wearer may select which side of the reversible garment to wear outside or inside, to expose the secure pocket slot where the distinct embroidery is displayed.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,066 patent discloses a jacket having sports logo that is of reversible construction. Different teams sports logos are on both the inner and outer surfaces of the jacket. The jacket may also be equipped with the names of players so that the jacket may be reversed to reveal a particular player's name.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,716 patent discloses a pair of pants that are particularly suited for persons who desire easier access, convenience and safety when attending to their restroom needs. The pants include a continuous fastener member positioned along the inseam of the leg members. The fastener members include zippers, snaps, buttons, hooks, and hook and loop type fasteners.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,772 patent discloses a garment that is convertible between a vest, or a sleeveless sweater, a poncho or a cape. The garment includes a neck opening with attached zipper and right and left pockets each with a zipper closure. The garment further includes right and left side zippers extending downward from respective right and left arm openings to the bottom edge of the garment.

For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 6,874,162 Boezi 5 Apr. 2005 5,029,344 Shannon et al 9 Jul. 1991 3,710,394 Trice 16 Jan. 1973 2,711,539 Loscher 28 Jun. 1955 1,371,841 Berkwits 15 Mar. 1921 1,051,943 Baldwin 4 Feb. 1913

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a system for applying indicia to a reversible garment. When the system is utilized it is comprised of a indicia barrier. The indicia barrier can be any size or dimensional shape, depending on the type and size of garment and the type of indicia that is applied. For the purpose of this disclosure a square indicia barrier is referenced. The reversible garment has multiple layers including a first layer having a single or multiple inner section(s) and an outer section(s), a single or multiple second layer typically having single or multiple inner section(s) and an outer section(s), and a space between the layers. Located on an edge(s) or seam(s), or wherever is desired, on one or both of the garment layers is a re-sealable opening that utilizes an opening fastener consisting of a zipper(s), a hook and loop fastener(s), a snap closure(s), a button(s) or any other type of fastener(s). The indicia barrier is inserted through the opening and into the space between the layers, thereby creating an impediment between the layers of the garment that allows indicia to be applied to one layer without also being applied to the adjoining layer. Once the indicia barrier is in place, the indicia can be applied to one surface of the garment. The indicia can include silk screening, embroidery, a heat-pressed material such as vinyl, metal-backed pressed-on rhinestones, sublimation paper, or indicia that is applied by a garment printer.

Once the indicia is applied to one surface of the garment, a person can turn the garment inside-out and repeat the method to apply indicia to the other side of the garment. By utilizing this system, a garment can be produced with individual/separate indicia on each surface of a reversible garment.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a system for quickly and easily applying individual indicia on multiple surfaces of a reversible garment.

In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to provide a system for applying indicia to a garment that:

-   -   is easy to learn and use,     -   can be utilized for many different types of garments,     -   can be utilized to apply multiple types of indicia,     -   is safe,     -   is robust and long-lasting,     -   can be utilized for adult's and children's garments,     -   can be sold as a kit for home use by consumers, or can be used         by professional garment manufacturer's, vendors, cleaners,         applique companies or garment printers,     -   is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's         point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an orthographic front view of a system for applying indicia to a reversible garment showing the first and second layers of the garment with a square indicia barrier inserted through an opening into the space between the two layers.

FIG. 2 is an orthographic front view of a reversible garment showing the first and second layers of the garment with a hoop indicia barrier inserted through an opening into the space between the two layers.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view showing the square indicia barrier.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view showing the hoop indicia barrier.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view showing a shirt having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing a shirt with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view showing a pair of pants having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing a pair of pants with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view showing a jacket having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing a jacket with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view showing a sweat shirt having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view showing a sweat shirt with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view showing a tank top having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view showing a tank top with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view shown a skirt having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view shown a skirt with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view showing shorts having various openings and opening fasteners.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view showing shorts with an indicia barrier being inserted into an opening.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of a system for applying indicia to a reversible garment, as shown in FIGS. 1-18. Applying indicia to a garment is a common practice utilized by individuals and garment manufacturers and there are various types of indicia which can be applied to a wide variety of garments. One style of garment that is especially popular and practical is a reversible garment, which typically provides a person with a garment such as a jacket that can be turned inside-out to display two colors of material. It is possible to apply indicia to one surface of a reversible garment, but as a result of the indicia applying processes, it is not possible to apply individual indicia to both surfaces of a reversible garment. The instant invention solves this problem by providing a system that quickly and easily facilitates the application of indicia one or to both surfaces of a reversible garment.

The system 10 is utilized for a reversible garment 38 that is comprised of a first layer 40 having an inner section 42 and an outer section 44, a second layer 46, and a space 48 between the two layers. It should be noted that the second layer 46 typically also has an inner section and an outer section, but for the purpose of this disclosure and the figures, the two sections 42,44 are only defined as elements of the first layer 40.

Located on the reversible garment 38 is at least one opening 58 having an opening fastener 60. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5-18, the opening 58 and opening fastener 60 can be placed at a single or multiple locations on a garment, but preferably to provide the best access while remaining unobtrusive, the opening 58 is located along an edge or a seam of the garment 38, but not limited to these locations. The opening has a length that is not longer than the length of any seam on the garment, and the site of the opening 58 will vary depending on the type and size of the garment and the opening's location on the garment.

The opening 58 is preferably re-sealable, and the opening fastener 60 provides a person with the ability to selectively open or close the opening 58. The fastener 60 is preferably comprised of a zipper 62, as best shown of FIGS. 1 and 2, although a hook and loop fastener 64, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a snap closure 66, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, or other fastening means such as an adhesive, double-sided tape or a male and female detent, can also be utilized. It is important to note that the re-sealable opening 58 allows for both layers or sides of a garment to utilize any type of indicia application process for all types of indicia.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18, the device can also utilize an indicia barrier 12 that has a dimension which is selected from the group consisting of a square, rectangle, circle, hoop, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or any other geometric shape. For the purpose of this disclosure two design configurations of the indicia barrier 12 are described. The first design, as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 3, is a square 14 that is comprised of an upper surface 16, a lower surface 18, a first edge 20, a second edge 22, a third edge 24 and a fourth edge 26. The square indicia barrier 14 can be made of plastic, wood, metal or any material that is required. The material that is utilized is typically determined by the type of indicia that is applied. For example, when indicia that requires a heat-applied process is utilized, a wood indicia barrier is preferable. Additionally, after the stabilizer is inserted in the garment 38 or the garment 38 is adhered to the stabilizer 12, the stabilizer and garment are attached to a device that applies the indicia using a clamp or a grip 28 on the stabilizer that is designed for use on the indicia applying device.

An alternate design configuration of the indicia barrier is a hoop 32, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The hoop 32 is typically utilized for indicia such as embroidery and also can be made of plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass or any material that is required. Depending on the type of indicia, the hoop 32 can be utilized along with the square indicia barrier 14 or by itself. Although the square and hoop indicia barriers have been disclosed, other shapes and sizes of stabilizers can also be utilized depending on the requirements of the type of indicia used, the type/size of the garment, and/or the location on the garment where the indicia is applied.

It must be stressed that when considering the system as a hole, the main inventive element is the re-sealable opening and the use of the opening to allow indicia to be selectively applied onto only a single layer of a multi-layer reversible garment. The indicia barrier is a functional structural element that facilitates the selective application of the indicia.

There are multiple methods for applying indicia, depending on the type of indicia that is utilized. A first method for applying indicia is disclosed for silk screen printing and comprises the following steps:

-   -   1. Acquire a reversible garment having a first layer with an         inner section and an outer section, a second layer, an opening         and an opening fastener,     -   2. Use the opening fastener to access the opening on the first         layer of the garment,     -   3. Apply a tacking substance to a indicia barrier,     -   4. Insert said indicia barrier through the opening between the         inner section and outer section of the first layer,     -   5. Arrange the first layer so it is flat and straight on said         indicia barrier,     -   6. Place silk screen mesh onto the garment,     -   7. Use a squeezie to spread silk screen ink through screen mesh         onto the garment,     -   8. Remove silk screen mesh,     -   9. Apply heat to garment,     -   10. Allow garment to cool and remove indicia barrier, and     -   11. Close opening fastener.

A second method is disclosed for applying embroidery and comprises the following steps:

-   -   1. Acquire a reversible garment having a first layer with an         inner section and an outer section, a second layer, an opening         and an opening fastener,     -   2. Use the opening fastener to access the opening on the first         layer of the garment,     -   3. Insert said indicia barrier through the opening between the         inner section and the outer section of the first layer,     -   4. Insert lower half of a hoop between the inner section and the         lower section, beneath said indicia barrier,     -   5. Align and secure the upper and lower halves of the hoop on         the garment,     -   6. Use the opening fastener to attach the hoop and the garment         to an embroidery machine,     -   7. Perform the embroidery using the embroidery machine,     -   8. Release the hoop and the garment from the embroidery machine,     -   9. Remove the hoop and indicia barrier, and     -   10. Close opening fastener.

A third method is disclosed for applying heat press materials, such as vinyl, glued-on rhinestones, or sublimation paper, and comprises the following steps:

-   -   1. Acquire a reversible garment having a first layer with an         inner section and an outer section, a second layer, an opening         and an opening fastener,     -   2. Use the opening fastener to access the opening on the first         layer of the garment,     -   3. Insert an indicia barrier through the opening between the         inner section and the outer section of the first layer,     -   4. Apply material(s) to a desired location to the garment,     -   5. Place garment onto a heat press,     -   6. Close heat press and apply heat,     -   7. When heating is finished, open heat press,     -   8. Remove any excess material,     -   9. Remove garment from heat press,     -   10. Remove indicia barrier from garment, and     -   11. Close opening fastener.

A fourth method is disclosed for applying indicia by utilizing a garment printer, and comprises the following steps:

-   -   1. Acquire a reversible garment heaving a first layer with an         inner section and an outer section, a second layer, an opening         and an opening fastener,     -   2. Use the opening fastener to access the opening on the first         layer of the garment,     -   3. Insert an indicia barrier through the opening between the         inner section and the outer section of the first layer,     -   4. Place garment on a garment printer,     -   5. Perform garment printing procedure,     -   6. When printing procedure is completed, remove garment from         printer,     -   7. Remove indicia barrier from garment,     -   8. Apply heat to garment if necessary, and     -   9. Close opening fastener.

The four methods disclosed above are examples of typical ways by which indicia can be applied to a garment by use of the instant system. There are other means which are well-known to those skilled in the art, and that can be utilized with equal efficacy.

Additionally, any type or size of garment can utilize the instant system. Although not intended to be limiting in any way the following types of garments are disclosed as examples: a shirt 70, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6; pants 72, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8; a jacket 74, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10; a sweat shirt 76, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12; a tank top 78, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14; a skirt 80, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16; and shorts 82, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 28. As shown in these figures each respective group of two figures illustrates the multiple locations where the opening(s) 58 and opening fastener(s) 60 can be located, as well as the insertion of the indicia barrier 12 into one of the openings 58.

As previously disclosed, the types of garments that are shown are only examples. Almost any type of garment can be utilized, and the system can be manufactured or modified for any particular application.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since there are many current and not yet explored modifications that may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims. 

1. A system for applying indicia to a reversible garment, wherein said system comprises an indicia barrier and at least one opening on the garment that allows access to a space between layers of the garment, wherein said indicia barrier inserted through said opening and into said space between the layers of garment, thereby creates an impediment between the layers of the garment, wherein once said indicia barrier is in place the indicia can be applied to one surface of the garment without also being applied to the adjoining layer.
 2. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein the reversible garment is comprised of a first layer having an inner section and an outer section, a second layer having an inner section and an outer section, and a space between the first and second layer.
 3. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein the first layer and second layer are made of a fabric material.
 4. The system as specified in claim 3 wherein the garment is laid flat on a surface with the first layer above the second layer and said opening accessible, wherein said indicia barrier is inserted into said space between the layers of garment such that said indicia barrier within the garment is substantially parallel with the two layers of the garment, wherein when indicia is applied onto the first layer, said indicia barrier functions as an impediment block to prevent the indicia from continuing from the first layer onto and into the second layer.
 5. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein the indicia is selected from the group consisting of silk-screening, embroidery, a heat-pressed material, press-on rhinestones, press-on beads, adhesive beads, sublimation paper, or garment-printer applied indicia.
 6. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said indicia barrier has a geometric shape.
 7. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said indicia barrier is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood and fiberglass.
 8. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said indicia barrier comprises a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter edge.
 9. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one opening is re-sealable comprises an opening fastener that allows said opening to be selectively opened or closed.
 10. The system as specified in claim 3 wherein said opening fastener is comprised of a zipper.
 11. The system as specified in claim 3 wherein said re-sealable opening fastener is comprised of a hook and loop fastener.
 12. The system as specified in claim 3 wherein said opening fastener is comprised of a snap closure.
 13. The system specified in claim 1 wherein the reversible garment is selected from the group consisting of a short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a tank top, a sweat shirt, a jacket, pants, shorts, a skirt, an apron, a bib, a hat, a beanie, chefs garment and garments designed for specific occupations or activities.
 14. A system for applying indicia to a reversible garment, wherein said system comprises: a) a reversible garment comprising a first layer having an inner section and an outer section, a second layer having an inner section and an outer section, and a space between the first layer and the second layer, b) a re-sealable opening located on said garment, wherein said opening allows access to said space between said garment's first layer and second layer, and c) an indicia barrier that is dimensioned to be inserted through said opening and into said space between said garment's first layer and second layer, wherein when said indicia barrier is inserted, said indicia barrier is substantially parallel with the two layers of the garment, wherein when indicia is applied onto the first layer, said indicia barrier prevents the indicia from continuing from the first layer onto and into the second layer.
 15. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein the indicia is selected from the group consisting of silk-screening, embroidery, a heat-pressed material, press-on rhinestones, press-on beads, adhesive beads, sublimation paper, or garment-printer applied indicia.
 16. The system as specified in claim 14 wherein said opening has a length that does not exceed the length of a seam on said garment.
 17. The system as specified in claim 14 wherein said opening further comprising an opening fastener that allows said opening to be selectively opened or closed, wherein said opening fastener is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap closure, double-sided tape, or a male and female detent.
 18. The system as specified in claim 14 wherein said indicia barrier has a geometric shape with a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter edge.
 19. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said indicia barrier is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood and fiberglass. 